Effect of prolong sitting on hamstring flexibility on schoolchildren: An observational study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Sedentary lifestyle has emanated as a new attention for research on exercise and health. Information Technology and computer technology advancement has increased the sitting time of people. People can do all their work like reading, writing and attending meetings without leaving desks. In the sitting positions biomechanics of the person also changes. When the person sits from 6 to 8 hours, he/she faces mechanical stresses which can be short term or long term. The high rate of people suffering from tight, inflexible hamstrings is related to occupations that require sitting for long hours. Hamstring tightness occurs in early childhood and it tends to increase with age. Methods: 200 schoolchildren with age of 10-15 years were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria from various schools of Kamrej. Demographic data and consent were taken and straight leg raise test and Active knee extension test were performed. The degree of hip and knee joint were measured by using universal goniometer. Results: Data were analyzed by using SPSS software 15.00 by t-test which showed significant effect in SLR and AKET in school children due to prolong sitting on hamstring flexibility.Conclusion: The effect of prolong sitting can affect hamstring flexibility in schoolchildren.